Region 1 Chair condemns abuse of officers enforcing curfew

has called on persons to respect the National COVID-19 measures, as he condemned the oral and physical attacks on officers who were enforcing the curfew.
While sharing this position via a social media platform, the regional official said the incident occurred at Kumaka, whereby “uncouth” persons would have abused Police ranks as they attempted to enforce the 20:00h to 06:00 (8 pm to 6 am) curfew. For this, he said those culpable must be penalised.
“Those culpable must face the consequences for their actions…Our police have been on the frontline alongside our medical personnel in the fight against COVID-19 from the beginning, risking their lives to keep us safe and also at the same time trying to flatten the curve…I urge all to give respect and support our frontline workers in their efforts to help us,” Ashley said.
In an earlier press statement, the Regional Chairman would have reminded residents, especially those of Mabaruma, that the reduced curfew hours did not indicate that any other emergency measures were withdrawn or relaxed.
At that time, most persons were still engaging in social activities without protecting themselves from the virus. He had pointed to the high contraction rates in Mabaruma and Moruca.
“It is with much concern that I have seen that there are activities ongoing in Kumaka without the adherence to social distancing, most persons aren’t wearing face mask…I urge all to be cognizant that COVID-19 is real and deadly and there are a number of persons still in institutional isolation in Mabaruma and Moruca. I am asking all business owners who operating none essential businesses to adhere to the measures set out,” the Chairman had warned.
His warnings come just one week after Region One was listed as the newest epicentre for COVID-19. Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Karen Gordon-Boyle had also commented on the conduct of residents within the Moruca sub-district, noting that it was disappointing.
“It is disappointing to note that the attitude of some of the residents in the sub-district of Moruca has been averse to the basket of health measures that have been outlined for their safety and protection. They are blatantly flouting the guidelines, claiming in some instances that COVID-19 is non-existent and therefore there is no need for a lockdown in that district,” Dr Gordon-Boyle had said. (G12)